These guides cover the parts of mobile that confuse people, from SIM only plans and phone contracts to coverage, switching and a child’s first phone. Each guide sticks to one question and ends by pointing you to our mobile deals comparison when you are ready to pick a deal.
Choosing a deal
- SIM only deals: how a plan without a phone works, which contract length suits you and how to compare data, calls and texts.
- Phone contracts: what you pay upfront and each month, how long you are tied in and what happens when the contract ends.
- Buy outright or take a contract: how to work out the total cost of each route before you decide.
- Upgrading your phone: when you can upgrade, what to check first and why SIM only often makes sense once your contract is over.
- Pay as you go and rolling SIMs: how they differ, who they suit and how to move to a contract later.
- How much mobile data you need: what uses data, what light and heavy users get through and how to check your own use.
Networks and coverage
- Best mobile networks: how EE, O2, Vodafone and Three compare, and what the Vodafone and Three merger changes.
- Mobile coverage and poor signal at home: how to check coverage at your address and what helps when signal is weak, including Wi-Fi calling.
- Cheap mobile networks: which main network each smaller brand uses and what you may give up.
- 5G on your phone: what 5G adds, where it reaches and whether you need a 5G plan.
Switching and bills
- Switching mobile provider: how to keep your number with a PAC code and what to check on exit fees.
- Mobile price rises: how in contract rises work now, when you can leave and which providers hold their prices.
- Credit checks: why networks run them, what happens if you fail one and the options that do not need one.
Phones
- Best phones in the UK: the strongest iPhone, Samsung and Pixel models, and who each one suits.
- Budget and mid range phones: what you get at each price level and which compromises are worth making.
- Refurbished phones and trade in: how grades and warranties work, and how to get a fair price for your old handset.
- Phone insurance: what policies cover, what they leave out and where you may already have cover.
- A child’s first phone: the right age, parental controls and a plan that keeps costs in check.
eSIM and travel
- eSIM in the UK: what an eSIM is, which phones and networks support it and how to set one up.
- Using your phone abroad: roaming charges in Europe and beyond, and how to avoid a bill you did not expect.
Guides for your situation
| Your situation | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Happy with your phone, want a cheaper bill | SIM only deals |
| Want a new phone and a plan together | Phone contracts |
| Weak signal at home | Mobile coverage |
| Moving network but keeping your number | Switching mobile provider |
| Worried about a credit check | Credit checks |
| Buying for a child | A child’s first phone |
| Tight budget | Budget phones and refurbished phones |
| Travelling abroad | Using your phone abroad and eSIM |
Ready to compare?
Our mobile deals comparison lets you filter by phone, network, data and upfront cost. If you want home internet as well, see our broadband deals.
FAQs
Which mobile network should I choose?
It depends on where you live, so check coverage at your address first. Testers also rank the networks differently. RootMetrics named EE the top overall network for the first half of 2026, while Opensignal gave O2 its coverage award in January 2026.
Can I keep my number when I switch?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 and your provider replies within a minute with a code that lasts 30 days. Your new provider then moves the number, normally within one working day. If you have several numbers on one account, you need to ask for the code online or by phone.
Do mid contract price rises still happen?
Yes. On contracts agreed since 17 January 2025, a provider must show any planned rise in pounds and pence before you sign, but rises still go ahead. Check the figure on the deal page before you order.
Do I still need to worry about 3G?
No. All four networks have now switched off 3G. 2G is due to close from 2029 to 2030, which mostly affects very old handsets.